Kohler Courage sounds like it’s gonna blow

[JRD1054Cub]

Cub SLTX 1054
Kohler Courage 26 725cc

This season, it has really been hurting.
Last time out, 2 weeks ago, it was doing ok. Takes a few min before it wants to start. Once started, after a couple min, with PTO engaged, it will really struggle. The engine literally feels like it’s going to explode. It will backfire here and there (not often). But I can’t tell if it’s a fuel issue. I replaced the gasoline obviously.
Or maybe an exhaust issue? It doesnt run smooth.
But when I shut it down, it takes a minute for it to wind down. Like it will not want to turn off. Like it will keep trying to start up again. Then eventually cuts off and ends with a small backfire.
I’m totally stumped on this one.
It has been sitting since around last August.
In the past couple years, I replaced the transaxle, starter, starter solenoid, fuel filter, air filter, battery this year, spark plugs, wiring, etc.
I could prob do with fuel line replacing since it’s been sitting out.
any suggestions?

 

[JRD1054Cub]

Cub SLTX 1054
Kohler Courage 26 725cc

This season, it has really been hurting.
Last time out, 2 weeks ago, it was doing ok. Takes a few min before it wants to start. Once started, after a couple min, with PTO engaged, it will really struggle. The engine literally feels like it’s going to explode. It will backfire here and there (not often). But I can’t tell if it’s a fuel issue. I replaced the gasoline obviously.
Or maybe an exhaust issue? It doesnt run smooth.
But when I shut it down, it takes a minute for it to wind down. Like it will not want to turn off. Like it will keep trying to start up again. Then eventually cuts off and ends with a small backfire.
I’m totally stumped on this one.
It has been sitting since around last August.
In the past couple years, I replaced the transaxle, starter, starter solenoid, fuel filter, air filter, battery this year, spark plugs, wiring, etc.
I could prob do with fuel line replacing since it’s been sitting out.
any suggestions?

Finally figured out it was a blown head gasket and needed some valve adjusting. 2 center spindles weren’t working right. Not seazed but just not right. And tensioner wasn’t acting right. I love the 54” cut so I really don’t want to part with it. And I’ve already put a lot of work into it. Replacing the trans and other basic parts here and there like I should. But I guess that’s it

 

[Auto Doc's]

Hopefully, you re-levelled the head surfaces on a true surface like tempered glass with some fine sandpaper before installing the new head gasket.

If not, the first round was just practice. The cooling fins need to be cleaned on a regular basis to minimize overheating issues. Along with that, regular oil changes are important.